Book-handle.



- Qu KMLEI L No. 870,958. PATENTED NOV. 12, 1907.

R. HINGKLEY.

BOOK HANDLE.

APPLICATION FILED we. a, 1901.

ROBERT HINGKLEY, OF NVASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

B OOK-HAND LE Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Nov. 12, 1907.

Application filed August 8.1907. Serial No. 387,645.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, R BERT I-IINoxLEY, a citizen of the United States, residing at Washington, in the District of Columbia, have invented new and useful Improvements in Book-Handles, of which the following is a specification.

My invention is designed to permit of the ready removal of a book, more especially one of the larger size, from a shelf or case without disturbing others contiguous to it; such removal being effected without that damage to the binding common when this is done in the ordinary way, viz: by catching hold of the upper part of the back of the binding and pulling out the volume. Where a number of works or a set of volumes of a work are tightly arranged on a shelf or in a case, it is a common practice on the part of those who wish to use or consult one of them, and who at the same time appreciate the injury to which the book is exposed by its Withdrawal in the manner stated, to endeavor to separate the books so that the fingers may be inserted and the volume grasped-this being an awkward and annoying labor; but ordinarily such care is not exercised,

and in consequence many valuable bindings are torn or married, and the integrity of a perfect set of volumes of a work is often destroyed.

The object of my invention is to prevent such destruction, and at the same time allow the convenient removal of any book, irrespective of size, from a case devices known to me have failed to accomplish the result sought, and in consequence have not met with favor in public and private libraries. Furthermore, such devices are unsightly and are so foreign to the binding proper as to mar the beauty and uniformity of the more expensive and ornamental bindings.

Another object of my invention is to construct a han dle for the purpose mentioned which shall also serve as a book-mark.

In the accompanying drawing, Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the preferred and more ordinary form in which my invention is used, it being seen ap plied to a book. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a series of volumes upon a shelf, each provided with my improvement. Figs. 3, 4, 5 and 6 show modifications hereinafter explained.

Referring to Fig. 1, 1 represents a book. At or near its top is glued or otherwise secured, preferably by some adhesive body, a flexible tape 2 or strip of suitable material, the strip embracing each side of the book and terminating exteriorly in a loop 3 the base of which is closed and stitched as at 4. The loop 3 is of sufficient length to form a handle which may be readily grasped and used for the withdrawal of the book from its fellows. In the act of pulling it out, the book is slightly tipped upon the lower front edge of the back; and if the volume is large and heavy it may be now grasped at the top by the hand and lifted from the shelf; but the loop or handle and its fastening are intended to be of sufficient strength to allow the volume to be lifted out and supported by the handle.

As indicated in Fig. 1. the continuous strip 2 at each side of the book is exterior to the binding; but as shown in Fig. 3, by the dotted lines, it is concealed by the outer skin or cloth of the binding so as to be invisible, the loop or handle 3 projecting from slits 5 cut therein. 1f the strips 2 are exterior to the cover they may be of a color or style uniform therewith, or of varied color or style to enhance the ornamentation of the binding.

In Fig. 4 a modification is shown in which the handle 3 is not integral with the strip 2 but is attached or knotted thereto at the back of the book, one end of the flexible material forming the handle being extended as shown at 7 to form a book mark.

In Fig. 5 a further modification is seen in which the handle, the side strips and book mark are joined, the device thus formed being the equivalent of one made of a single piece of material. In this case the strip is, as in the other instance, secured at each side of the cover and around the back, one end of the material being employed as the book mark, and the loop or handle being stitched, glued or otherwise attached at the back of the book as shown at 7. I

In Fig. 6 the side strips are made of one piece of material, a knot being formed in the handle consisting of the two free ends An ornamental effect may thus be produced.

If the book is small, the strip 2 need only extend a short distance along each side of the cover; but, as will be understood by the experienced binder, the length of hold and strength of attachment must be governed by the size and weight of the volume.

It will be seen that my invention is equally adapted to public and private libraries, and that it is capable of such modification in construction and arrangement as may readily suggest itself to those skilled in the art without the exercise of invention or a substantial departure from what is herein claimed. It may be combined with the book at the bindery, or attached thereto by the owner upon the purchase of the book.

While I have preferably shown the handle portion of my device made of flexible material; it is apparent I may use as an equivalent a ring, tab or other similar device attached to the strip at or near the top of the back of the book.

I claim as my invention- 1. Combined with a book, a flexible handle comprising; a loop and strips, the latter being fastened to the sides and back of the book at or near the top thereof, and the handle projecting out from its back, substantially as set forth.

2. Combined with a book, a flexible handle comprising a loop and strips, the latter being attached to the sides and back of the book at or near the top thereof, and the handle projecting out from its back and extended to form a book mark, substantially as set forth,

3. Combined with a book, strips attached to the sides and back of the book at or near the top thereof, and a handle secured to said strips, substantially as set forth.

4. Combined with a book, strips attached to the sides and back of the book at or near the top thereof, a handle secured to said strips, and a book mark attached to said 7 handle, substantially as set forth.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature in presence of two Witnesses.

ROBERT HINCKLEY.

\Vitnesses JEXNIE W. GARDNER, CHARLES LOWELL HOWARD. 

